ANNUAL

REPORT
2015

ARIZONA GOVERNORS STATE

REHABILITATION COUNCIL

CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Arizona Governors State Rehabilitation Council
Annual Report 2015
MISSION AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNCIL

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

RSA ADMINISTRATOR MESSAGE

SRC INPUT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

COUNCIL COMMITTEES

COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

ARIZONA VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM BASICS

10

SRC HIGHLIGHTS

11

SRC RESPONSE TO THE WIOA

15

SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS SFY2015

20

STATEWIDE DIRECTORY

22

Mission

And Responsibilities
Of The Governors State
Rehabilitation Council
The Governors State
Rehabilitation Council
mission also encompasses
the Councils vision,
operating principles
and goals:

MISSION

Mission
Serving all citizens of Arizona, the mission of the Arizona Governors State
Rehabilitation Council is to advise, evaluate and partner with the public
vocational rehabilitation program in support of improving access to employment
and promoting a diverse workforce statewide.

Vision
The Arizona Governors State Rehabilitation Council envisions a statewide
workforce that values disability and diversity, and is committed to full
participation of its citizens.

Operating Principles
y Serve as an ally to the public vocational rehabilitation program in structuring
and conducting business in ways that reflect the social, political, historical and
economical experiences of disability.
y Collaborate with state and other non-government agencies to promote
meaningful and sustainable employment for everyone.
y Foster a broad definition of diversity that honors and appreciates disability
alongside race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and religion as an integral
part of human experience.
y Promote disability discourse, awareness and involvement; honor disability
culture and pride.

Goals

y Advise the Vocational Rehabilitation Program in the development,

implementation, evaluation and review of innovative rehabilitation services and
programs.
y Support the development of public policy that improves opportunity for full
participation for all citizens in the economic life of Arizona.
y Engage business and industry statewide in the creation of inclusive
environments guided by the principles of universal design.
y Increase access and employment opportunities for people with disabilities
through collaboration with outside agencies, councils and community partners.
y Strengthen the VR Program through collaboration on the development of
human resource infrastructure.

The Governors State Rehabilitation

Council functions, as defined in the
Title I, Part A, Section 105 of the Federal
Rehabilitation Act, are as follows:
Review, analyze and advise the Arizona Rehabilitation Services

Administration (RSA) regarding the performance of its responsibilities, particularly

those related to eligibility (including order of selection); the extent and scope and
effectiveness of services provided; and the functions performed by State agencies that
affect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving employment outcomes
under Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services.

Partner with RSA to develop, review and agree to State goals and priorities in
accordance with the VR State Plan. The Council and RSA evaluate the effectiveness of
the VR program and submit reports of progress to the RSA Commissioner.
Advise the RSA on activities authorized to be carried out under the Vocational
Rehabilitation State Plan. Assist in the preparation of the VR State Plan, and
Amendments to the plan, applications, reports, Needs Assessments, and evaluations.
Conduct a review and analysis of the effectiveness of Vocational Rehabilitation services
and consumer satisfaction regarding functions performed, VR services provided, and
employment outcomes achieved.
Prepare and submit an Annual Report to the Governor and the Federal U.S. Department
of Education Commissioner of RSA on the status of Vocational Rehabilitation programs
operated with the State of Arizona.
Coordinate activities with other disability related Councils with the State of Arizona.
Establish working relationships between RSA, the Statewide Independent Living
Council, and Arizona Centers for Independent Living.
Perform other functions consistent with VR services deemed appropriate by the Council.

MESSAGE
FROM THE CHAIR
Linda Tasco

On behalf of the Arizona State Rehabilitation Council, it is my honor to present a summary of the
critical work accomplished by our dedicated group of Council Members during 2015. It has been
my privilege not only to have served as Chair of this august group but to have had the opportunity
to work closely with both staff and council members to provide guidance to our State agency and
fulfill the mission of the Council. Our collaborative work resulted in actions and recommenda
tions to enhance both state and national vocational rehabilitation services.
During the past year, SRC members have been active participants and supporters of numerous
employment and disability-related community activities, including local job and transition fairs,
seminars, and training to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities. The SRC, in
conjunction with the Governors Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), developed a Fact
Sheet for Council members use in advocating
on behalf of increased funding for RSAs employment services. In addition, the SRC hosted an
information table at the Fifteenth Annual Arizona Transition Conference. Council Chair and
other Council members presented several sessions during the Conference. The Council provided
a formal response to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making on the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunities Act (WIOA). SRC members participated on numerous Committees implementing
the Arizona RSA/VR Strategic Plan. The SRC reviewed the RSA Client Satisfaction Survey and
used feedback from the survey to develop input for the Agencys use in the development of the VR
State Plan.
2015 was a productive year and I anticipate being able to use the work that was done as the
foundation for the work of the SRC in the coming year. The current environment is a dynamic
one to say the least and we will need the ongoing involvement and commitment from our Council
members, RSA staff and all of our stakeholders to ensure services and supports continue to grow
in support of improving access to employment and promoting a diverse workforce statewide. As I
continue my role as SRC Chair into 2016, I look forward to maintaining the working relationships
Ive been privileged to develop with the business leaders, providers, educators, policy makers and
advocates who make up the Council and to building new ones. I firmly believe in the wisdom
shared by Margaret Mead: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.
Sincerely,

Chair
Governors State Rehabilitation Council

RSA ADMINISTRATOR
MESSAGE
Letitia Labrecque

It is my pleasure to join the Arizona State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) in presenting its
2015 Annual Report to you and other interested parties. The Arizona Rehabilitation Services
Administration (AZRSA) and the SRC are successfully maintaining their shared vision and
deep commitment to create opportunities for employment, independence and community
participation for Arizonans with disabilities. This commitment is demonstrated in our shared
mission and evident through the SRCs ongoing participation of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and development process of consumer-focused vocational
rehabilitation programs and policies.
As a state agency, we continue to emphasize accountability, performance outcome measures,
and careful analysis of data as the drivers for strategic planning, as well as the key tools for our
Council members to be well-informed as advisors and advocates.
At the beginning of the year, I set a goal of increasing successful closures by 5%. I am pleased to
say we surpassed our goal! This year, 1338 individuals obtained employment. We increased our
successful closures by 8.25% and ended the year with a total agency rehabilitation rate of 51%.
This is a respectable number based on where the journey began with a rehab rate in the low 30s
just a few years ago.
The numbers represent our hard work and our outcomes, but underneath the numbers are
numerous lives positively impacted on a daily basis. Together we are assisting individuals in
becoming independent, self-sufficient and shaping their futures. That is a rate that can never be
captured.
The first round of strategic plan actions were successfully completed in 2015 and include
the development of flexible work schedules, updated records release process, an employee
handbook, code of professional standards, virtual office policies and staff recognition.
The second round of committees has already started and will focus on technology, a case
management user group, a vendor report card and budget accountability.
AZRSA is ready for the new ventures, successes and of course the challenges that will
undoubtedly take place in 2016, and I am proud that our SRC will be a part of it every step of the
way.

Letitia Labrecque,
Administrator
Rehabilitation Services Administration
6

Input and

Recommendations
A summary of SRC input
and recommendations to
the Arizona RSA VR State
Plan.

INPUT AND
RECOMMENDATIONS

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

SRC recommends that AZRSA continue their efforts to increase

awareness and provide outreach regarding Vocational Rehabilitation
services to individuals with disabilities (including a broad spectrum of
disability populations), while highlighting the importance of placement
on the Order of Selection waiting list.
SRC recognizes and encourages further emphasis on AZRSA
collaborative efforts regarding students and youth transition with the
additional focus on services to the transition population through WIOA.
SRC recommends that AZRSA continue to involve SRC representation
in the development and communicate the implementation of the revised
Arizona RSA Strategic Plan.
SRC recommends that AZRSA continue efforts to identify and alleviate
Vocational Rehabilitation Program service provision barriers in Arizona.
SRC celebrates AZRSA efforts to approach the mandated rehabilitation
rate, and recommends that AZRSA continues to strive to meet
performance indicators and update the SRC on strategies being
implemented.
SRC recommends that AZRSA maintain partnerships with current
Project 121 American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Programs in
Arizona and continue to identify opportunities and strategies to partner
with tribes that do not have existing Project 121 Programs.
SRC recommends and supports AZRSA efforts to expand funding and
access full federal matching funds to provide client services through
a variety of alternative funding methodologies, including third party
agreements.

COUNCIL
COMMITTEES
Committees
of the Council

The council committees

have specific functions to
help the SRC achieve
its goals.

Employment and Community Partnerships Committee

The goal of the Employment and Community Partnerships Committee is to create and
foster business and community partnerships, and increase employment opportunities
for people with disabilities through collaboration with the Rehabilitation Services
Administration/Vocational Rehabilitation Program (RSA/VR) clients, outside agencies,
councils and community partners. It is the Committees vision to enhance SRC
relationships with these partners, in order to expand employment opportunities,
encourage involvement in policy development, promote advocacy for service provision,
and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.

Executive Committee
The goal of the Executive Committee is to provide leadership to the SRC in furthering
its mission, vision, and goals. The Committee also seeks to recruit new members from
the community who will represent, and be representative, of individuals with disabilities,
specific disability groups, business and labor, rehabilitation program providers,
disability advocates, the Statewide Independent Living Council, the State Workforce
Investment Board, and American Indian Rehabilitation Programs. The Council accepts
nominations at any time throughout the year when vacancies occur and submits
candidates to the Governor, who makes the final appointment of members to SRC.

Program Review Committee

The goal of the Program Review Committee is to advise, evaluate, and collaborate
with the Rehabilitation Services Administration/Vocational Rehabilitation Program
to improve the quality and efficiency of VR services; including transition services,
Order of Selection, RSA employee capacity building via the Comprehensive System of
Personnel Development, increasing employee satisfaction, and reviewing VR State Plan
implementation.
8

Membership
2015

The council committees

have specific functions to
help the SRC achieve
its goals.

2015 Governors State Rehabilitation

Council (SRC) Membership
Letitia Labrecque, Administrator

VR State Agency, Ex-Officio

Term: No Limit City: Phoenix

Dan Martinez

Specific Disability Groups Rep.

Term: 2015-2017 City: Phoenix

Sandra Espinosa-Canchola

Disability Advocacy Rep.

Term: 2012-2017 City: Rio Rico

Rob Crawford

Disability Advocacy Rep

Term: 2014-2016 City: Phoenix

John Gutierrez

Client Assistance Program Rep.

Term: 2006-2017 City: Phoenix

Mark Jacoby

Community Rehabilitation Program

Service Provider Rep.

Term: 2009-2015 City: Phoenix

Rodney Thomas

VR Services

Term: 2013-2017 City: Yuma

Judith Castro

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Rep.

Term: No Limit City: Yuma

Bob Neckes

Business/Industry/Labor Rep.

Term: 2012-2015 City: Phoenix

Carol Carr

Specific Disability Groups Rep.

Term: 2015-2017 City: Yuma

Council Staff:

Nancy Kimball, Council Liaison

Danita Applewhite

SILC Representative

Term: 2014-2017 City: Mesa

Term: 2013-2017 City: Phoenix

Everett Ricketts

Specific Disability Groups Rep.

Term: 2012-2015 City: Avondale

Adam Robson

Specific Disability Rep.

Term: 2011-2017 City: Phoenix

Brian Satran

Business, Industry and Labor Rep.

Term: 2011-2016 City: Laveen

Roselle Saba

Disability Advocacy Rep.

Term: 2014-2016 City: Chandler

Larry Clausen

Specific Disabilities Groups Rep.

Paula Seanez,

121 Project Directors Rep.

Term: 2002-2016 City: Window Rock

Linda Tasco

Specific Disability Groups Rep.

Term: 2012-2017 City: Glendale

Chuck Tiller

Business, Industry, & Labor Rep.

Term: 2009-2015 City: Tucson

Ana Nunez

ADOE Rep. Special Education

Term: 2015-2017 City: Phoenix

Council Staff:

Lindsey Powers, Administrative Assistant

VOCATIONAL
REHABILITATION
Program Basics

Arizonans Employed as a Result of VR Services

The mission of the Arizona
Vocational Rehabilitation
Program (VR) is to work
with individuals with
disabilities to achieve
increased independence
and/or gainful employment
through the provision of
comprehensive rehabilitative
and employment support
services in a partnership
with all stakeholders. The
VR Program provides a
variety of specialized services
to individuals who have
physical, mental or emotional
impairments that create
barriers to employment and/
or independent living.

Eligibility for the VR

program is determined by
the following: an individual
wants to become or remain
economically independent
through work; an individuals
disability is serious enough
to make it hard to get or keep
a job; available services can
help the individual get or keep
a job; the VR Program is the
only or best place to provide
the individual with the help
he or she may need.

Impairment
Cognitive
Sensory
Communicative
Physical
Psychosocial
Other Mental
Grand Total

Total
6944
2663
255
4228
5833
1086
21009

Percent of
33.1%
12.7%
1.2%
20.1%
27.8
5.2%
100%
10

SRC HIGHLIGHTS

SRC Highlights
2015

Arizona Fifteenth Annual

Transition Conference
SRC Involvement and
Collaboration in Arizona
RSA Strategic Plan
SRC Involvement with
West Valley Employer
Outreach
2015 SRC Fact Sheet
Development Project

Arizonas Fifteenth Annual Transition Conference

The SRC hosted an information table at
the Transition Conference sponsored by
the Arizona Department of Education,
Arizona Department of Economic Security,
and the Arizona Department of Health
Services. This conference is a collaborative,
cross-stakeholder professional development
event designed to provide meaningful
and pertinent information for use in the
secondary transition planning process.
Participants included youth and young
adults with disabilities, family members
and other important support persons for students with disabilities, state agency staff,
educators, and service providers who all shared a commitment for the successful
transition of students to adult life.
The conference hosted a number of national speakers and state-level experts who
presented sessions aimed at improving strategies for youth success, family involvement,
and interagency and community collaboration. SRC Chair Linda Tasco facilitated a
panel of young adults in the I Think I Can; You Think I Can: I CAN! session. SRC
Member Ana Nunez co-presented on *An Introduction to Secondary IEP Transition
Requirements and Writing a Secondary IEP for Transition Using Best Practices.
The conference theme of Connecting for Success: Shared Expectations, Responsibilities,
and Outcomes reflected a focus on helping youth and young adults understand their
own strengths, needs, and preferences to promote self-determination, leading to greater
independence and post-school achievement. The conference showcased effective intra,
and interagency collaboration regarding improving postsecondary opportunities for
youth and young adults with disabilities in the areas of employment, education, training,
and adult living. The creativity of youth and young adults was demonstrated through
displays of their artwork, for the tenth consecutive year.

11

SRC INVOLVEMENT
AND COLLABORATION
IN ARIZONA RSA
STRATEGIC PLAN
The RSA Strategic Plan was presented to the SRC, the Department of Economic
Security, the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) management,
and received a positive response. SRC Members were invited to participate in the
implementation of RSAs Strategic Plan in collaboration with RSA staff. SRC members
volunteered to collaborate with RSA staff and worked side by side in committees to
identify methods for implementing the action steps to achieve the plan objectives. The
Committees worked within six month timeframes to address the initial objectives and
to develop products and activities for implementation. RSA anticipates the strategic
plan implementation would be a three-year project, with the SRC members invited to
collaborate throughout the process.

SRC INVOLVEMENT WITH WEST VALLEY

EMPLOYER OUTREACH
SRC members attended the West Valley Employer Outreach meetings to support and
develop connections to workforce development staff in the West Valley. The SRC
continued to support RSA efforts to increase employer connections and increase
successful outcomes for clients.

2015 SRC FACT SHEET DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

The SRC remained concerned regarding the continued closure of Priority Category Two
and Three under the Order of Selection and the Program Review Committee developed
the following Fact Sheet for council use in advocacy and education. The SRC plans to
continue to develop and update information for public messaging supporting Vocational
Rehabilitation services.

12

Many Arizonans with Disabilities

Want to work and be financially independent

Are employed at half the rate of their non-disabled peers
Without employment often live in poverty on government subsidies

Arizona DES/RSA/Vocational Rehabilitation

is one solution!
VR has a track record of successfully assisting Arizonans with disabilities attain
meaningful and sustained work,
reducing, and eliminating reliance on government programs.

Vocational Rehabilitation gets a $ 4 Federal match for every AZ $1

AZ is losing $16M federal funding targeted for Arizona FY2014!
ACTION NEEDED
Support HB2217
For every $1M Arizona dollars + the $4M Federal Match, an additional 646 Arizonans
with disabilities will get help to become financially self-sufficient through employment.

Bottom Line 65,399 individuals with disabilities in

Arizona who are eligible and able to benefit from VR
services are not receiving services.
Funding Vr Is A Win-Win For Everyone
Unemployment is costly to the vitality of Arizonas economy. Arizona businesses will
benefit from additional skilled labor and the economy will benefit with more people
who pay taxes and have more disposable income.
According to the Social Security Administration, for every $1 that VR spends on assisting
an eligible individual with a disability to secure quality employment, $7 is returned to the
U.S. Treasury (7 to 1 investment!).

13

BACKGROUND
General Fund appropriations for the DES/RSA/VR program have been stagnant since
2009, at $3.2 million for client services and $3.8 million for staffing, losing thousands
in federal match targeted for Arizona, untapped and donated to other states. Any new
additional funds would be spent on direct client services, such as job training, education,
vocational training, assistive technology, assessments, etc. Due to funding cuts, VR is
unable to serve all the Arizonans applying for vocational assistance, so they have put
people on waiting lists, and by federal standards, have prioritized services to only serve
the most severely disabled for FY2014.

Length of time Arizonans with disabilities have been

waiting for VR services
Less Than 1 Year
1 Year
2 Years
3 Years
4 Years
5 Years
Grand Total

609
683
553
616
613
697
4041

15.1%
16.9%
13.7%
15.2%
15.2%
23.9%
100%

Vocational Rehabilitation Facts

Profile of people with disabilities who received VR services and attained competitive
employment.
44% no longer needed public assistance
76% continued to be employed and have increases in salary 3 years after job
placement
99% of those employed have positions in a competitive labor market
The amount of the taxes they pay in 2 4 years of employment matches the cost of
the VR services they received.
(Re: CSAVR, U.S. Congress Longitudinal Study)
Arizona Disability Demographics
546,773 individuals between the ages of 21 64 have a disability
Over 200,000 Arizonans on SSI or SSDI disability payments
87,483 individuals with disabilities may be eligible and able to benefit from VR
services today!
12,263 individuals with disabilities are receiving VR services in pursuit of
employment
For additional information or questions,

contact the Governors State Rehabilitation Council at 602-364-1773

14

2015 SRC RESPONSE TO THE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE-MAKING ON

THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA
Governors State
Rehabilitation
Council
The SRC Program
Review Committee
prepared the
following responses
which were
submitted for
consideration:

Expanding Partnerships to Increase Employment Opportunities

GOVERNORS STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL

1789 West Jefferson St. (930A), Phoenix, AZ 85007

(602) 364-1773, TTY (602) 542-6049, FAX (602) 542-3778

Douglas A Ducey
Governor

Linda Tasco, Chair

Adam Robson, Vice-Chair

After review of the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) , All other Rehabilitation Act programs
administered by EDClient Assistance, American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation
Services, Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights, Independent Living Services
for Older Individuals Who Are Blind programs, and the discretionary grant programs
authorized under title III of the Rehabilitation Act, the Arizona Governors State
Rehabilitation Council has prepared the following response.
The Arizona Governors State Rehabilitation Council strongly supports the following:
Proposing to clarify that an applicant meeting all other eligibility criteria may be
determined eligible if he or she requires services to advance in employment, not just
obtain or maintain employment.
Proposing to clarify that VR services are available to assist individuals with disabilities
to obtain graduate level education needed to advance in employment.
Considering customized employment, self-employment, telecommuting or business
ownership, and supported employment, as competitive integrated employment
outcomes.
Revising the definition of supported employment services to extend the allowable
timeframe from the provision of these services from 18 months to 24 months.
Proposing to give State VR agencies operating under an Order of Selection the option
to indicate in its portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan that it will serve
eligible individuals with disabilities outside that order who have an immediate need
for equipment or services to maintain employment.
Establishing new definitions of student with a disability and youth with a disability.
Extending the time frame from 18 months to 24 months for the provision of
supported employment services.
Noting RSA interpreting subsistence employment as a form of self-employment
common to cultures of many American Indian tribes.
Revising the definition of Indian, American Indian, Indian American, and
Indian tribe to further clarify those terms.
Proposing to amend the regulations to require DSUs to report estimates of the number
of individuals not receiving services because of the implementation of an order of
selection.

15

 Proposing to amend current 361.42 (a)(1)(iii) to clarify that an applicant, who meets
all other eligibility criteria, may be determined eligible if he or she requires VR
services to advance in employment.
Amending current 361.45(c)(2) by adding a new paragraph (v) that would require a
DSU to provide eligible individuals entitled to Social Security benefits under titles II
or XVI of the Social Security Act information on assistance and supports available to
individuals desiring to enter the workforce, including benefits planning.
Noting pre-employment transition services are those specific services specified in
section 113 of the Act and implemented in proposed 361.48(a). These services, paid
for with a percentage of funds reserved form the States VR allotment, are available
only to those individuals who meet the definition of a student with a disability.
Noting other transition-related services, including those that could be similar to
pre-employment transition services, may be provided to students or youth with
disabilities and do not require a specific reservation of funds.
Noting student with a disability is an individual with a disability in school who is
(1) 16 years old, or younger, if determined appropriate under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), unless the State elects to provide pre-employment
transition services at a younger age, and no older than 21, unless the State provides
transition services under IDEA at an older age; and (2) receiving transition services
pursuant to IDEA, or is a student who is an individual with a disability for the
purposes of section 504 of the Act.
Proposing to amend current 361.22(b) to incorporate certain requirements from
section 511 into the formal interagency agreement between the DSU and the State
educational agency.
The Arizona Governors State Rehabilitation Council requests clarification
regarding:
Proposing to remove the option to use extended evaluations, as a limited exception
to trial work experiences, to explore an individuals abilities, capabilities, and
capacity to perform in work situations by deleting paragraph (f) from current 361.42.
Clarification is requested on the provision of extended evaluations to individuals with
disabilities who could not take advantage of trial work experiences as described in the
current 361.42(f)
Defining supported employment makes clear that supported employment
outcomes must be in competitive integrated employment or if in integrated setting
that is not competitive integrated employment, in an integrated setting in which
the individual is working on a short term basis toward competitive integrated
employment. Short term is defined as no longer than 6 months.
Clarification is requested to ensure Ability One contracts remain a viable option.

16

 Specifying that the individual with a disability, or the individuals parent or guardian
if applicable, must receive certain information and career counseling-related
services from the DSU every six months during the first year of such employment
and annually thereafter for as long as the individual receives compensation at the
subminimum wage level.
Clarification is requested regarding what is included in certain information.
Requiring DSUs to provide documentation of the provision of career counseling and
information and referral services to individuals with disabilities, regardless of age,
who are currently employed at a subminimum wage level.
Clarification is requested regarding whether the proposed language is intended to
include only those clients that were referred to VR or to ALL individuals working in
subminimum wage employment regardless of their involvement with the state VR
program.
Noting proposed definition recognizes that individuals, with or without
disabilities, in self-employment may not receive an income from the business equal
to or exceeding applicable minimum wage rates, particularly in the early stages of
operation.
Clarification is requested regarding the reason an individual in self-employment is
proscribed from what other successful entrepreneurs have the option to practice.
Noting Current 361.42(f) permits, in limited circumstances, the provision of
extended evaluations to individuals with disabilities who cannot take advantage of
trial work experiences, or for whom trial work experiences have been exhausted.
Change is to ensure that before a DSU make an ineligibility determination, it must
conduct a full assessment of the capacity of the applicant to perform in realistic work
settings, without the exception of extended evaluations.
Clarification is requested regarding whether the use of extended evaluation is being
eliminated or clarified when it could be used. Additional clarification is requested
whether that would affect the eligibility timeframe determination within 60 days.
Noting Section 511(b)(2) of the Act prohibits a State or local educational agency
from entering into a contract or other arrangement with an entity for purposes of
operating a program in which youth with disabilities are employed at subminimum
wage.
Clarification is requested on whether schools could contract with providers that
offering subminimum wage and minimum wage services when the only service being
contracted for would be minimum wage paid opportunities.

17

 Proposing to amend current (b)(3) to clarify that non-Federal expenditures, for

match purposes under the VR program, from private contributions must be made
from cash contributions that have been deposited in the VR agencys account prior
to their use for this purpose.
Clarification is requested in terms of private contributions.
361.5 Competitive Integrated Employment- as members of the Arizona State
Rehabilitation Council, we need to represent all disability groups and their right
to have their individualized needs addressed. We believe the primary focus for
VR should be on a competitive wage, which is something that all disability groups
can agree on. The integration of the work setting is not a rehabilitation need
for all groups and may limit important opportunities. Individuals, who are blind,
visually impaired, physically disabled, and/or on the autism spectrum have raised
concerns that earning a competitive wage at a location that is easy to access, allows
the concentration of assistive technology and access to support staff meets their
individualized needs. The election of this setting is an individuals or familys
choice. Choice has been and continues in Title IV of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act to be the critical underpinning of the statute. Their social
interactions occur at work and away from work.
The Arizona Governors State Rehabilitation strongly suggests critical changes in the
language of the proposed rules in the following areas:
Describing education and experience, as applicable, requirements at the bachelors,
masters, and doctoral level, in fields related to rehabilitation that prepares the
individual to work with individuals with disabilities and employers. Individuals
hired at the bachelors level have a requirement for at least one year of paid or unpaid
experience.
Amend the proposed rule: one year of relevant paid or unpaid experience.
Proposing to amend 361.24 to include the additional agencies and entities with
which the DSU must coordinate its activities under the VR program. New entities
include, among others, employers, non-educational agencies serving out-of-school
youth, programs authorized under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, the State
agency administering the State Medicaid plan, the agency responsible for serving
individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, agencies responsible
for providing mental health services, and other agencies serving as employment
networks under the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency program.
Amend the proposed rule to include: coordinate its activities including joint training

18

 Proposing the DSU could utilize cash transfers or certified personnel expenditures for
the time cooperating agency staff spent providing direct VR services, pursuant to a
third-party cooperative arrangement, to meet part or all of the non-Federal share, but
not including certified expenditures for equipment and supplies as an allowable source
of match under the VR program.
Amend the proposed rule to include: in-kind personnel expenditures.
Proposing to amend current 361.36(a)(3) by adding a new paragraph that would
require DSUs implementing an order of selection to indicate, in the VR services
portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan, if they have elected to serve eligible
individuals in need of specific services or equipment for the purpose of maintaining
employment, regardless of their assignment to a priority category in the States order
of selection. Decision to do this is discretionary.
Amend the proposed rule: remove the final sentence, Decision to do this is discretionary.
Noting RSA believes that decisions related to which entity will be responsible for
providing transition or pre-employment transition services that can be considered
both a special education and a VR service must be made at the State and local level
as part of the collaboration between the VR agencies, State educational agencies, and
local educational agencies.
Amend the proposed rule to reflect implementation through inclusion within the
Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between agencies.

19

CLIENT
SATISFACTION SURVEY
RESULTS SFY2015
In SFY2013, the RSA Client Satisfaction Survey was revised incorporating input from
the SRC to survey clients throughout the vocational rehabilitation process. The same
survey instrument was used throughout SFY2015. Surveys are emailed when an email
address is available, or sent by standard mail. The client has the option to complete and
return the survey or to complete the survey on the RSA website. Clients are surveyed at
the following stages:

Clients who have been found eligible (status 04 or 10)

Clients who signed an individualized plan for employment (IPE) (status 12)

Clients who have received services for one year or who are ready for employment
(whichever came first-status 13 or 20)
Clients who have received services and have a closed case, with or without
employment (status 26 or 28)
Total Surveys

Response by Mail

16113

3187

Response by
Website
9

Response Rate
19.8%

The overall satisfaction rate across all groups increased to 81.7%

in SFY2015 from 81.1% in SFY2014.

Clients Found
Eligible
81.7%
82.7%

Overall Satisfaction Rates

Clients with
Clients in Service
a Signed IPE
for 1 Year/Ready for
Employment
86.3%
82.7%
87.3%
83.2%

Clients Closed
With or Without
Employment
66.1%
67.3%

The overall satisfaction rate demonstrated increases for all groups surveyed
from SFY2014 to SFY2015.

20

The average hourly wage of cases closed with employment increased 3.4%
from the previous year.*
Average hourly wage of cases closed with employment (Status 26)
SFY2012

SFY2013

SFY2014

SFY2015

$11.20

$11.61

$10.90

$11.22

*NOTE: The survey results should be viewed within an overall continued economic context for SFY2015.
State budget and economic impacts still necessitate the continued closure of the Order of Selection priority
categories two and three.

DREAM JOB FAIR

21

Statewide Directory

RSA Offices
RSA ADMINISTRATION
1789 W. Jefferson St. 2NW
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-3332
1-800-563-1221
TTY (855) 475-8194
Letitia Labrecque
Administrator
DISTRICT I
ADMINISTRATION
3221 N. 16th St., Ste. 200
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 266-9206
TTY (855) 475-8194

DISTRICT I OFFICES
SBVID 16th STREET
4620 N. 16th St., Ste B-106
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 266-9579
TTY (855) 475-8194
MESA
120 W. 1st Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85210
(602) 771-6500
GILBERT CHANDLER
2328 W Guadalupe Rd., Bldg. 1
Gilbert, AZ 85233
(480) 820-5629

GILBERT TEMPE
2328 W. Guadalupe Rd., Bldg. 1
Gilbert, AZ 85233
(480) 926-5100

SURPRISE
11526 W. Bell Rd.
Surprise, AZ 85374
(602) 771-1850

NORTH 51ST AVENUE

515 N. 51st Ave, Ste. 250
Phoenix, AZ 85043
(602) 771-9161
TTY (855) 475-8194

SCOTTSDALE
10900 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 401
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 948-3819
TTY (855) 475-8194

95th AVENUE
1850 N. 95th Ave. Ste.192
Phoenix, AZ 85037
(602) 771-6680
TTY (855) 475-8194

NORTH 3rd STREET

3839 N. 3rd St., Ste. 303
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 266-4434
TTY (855) 475-8194

SOUTH PHOENIX
4411 S. 40th St., Ste. D-12
Phoenix, AZ 85040
(602) 470-1802
TTY (855) 475-8194

NORTH 16TH STREET

3221 N. 16th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 266-6752
TTY (855) 475-8194

GILBERT ONE-STOP
735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(602) 372-9736

BLACK CANYON
13610 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Ste. 106
Phoenix, AZ 85029
(602) 771-9850
TTY (855) 475-8194

DISTRICT II
ADMINISTRATION
400 W. Congress, Ste. 420
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 628-6810
1-800-835-2100
TTY (855) 475-8194

DISTRICT II OFFICES
NORTH STONE
100 N. Stone Ave., Ste. 500B
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 629-0225
TTY (855) 475-8194
WILMOT
899 N. Wilmot Rd., Ste.C7
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 790-0107
TTY (855) 475-8194
MONA LISA
7225 N. Mona Lisa Rd., Ste. 202
Tucson, AZ 85741
(520) 544-8618
TTY (855) 475-8194
IRVINGTON
195 W. Irvington
Tucson, AZ 85714
(520) 638-2390
TTY (855) 475-8194
E. 29TH STREET
4710 E. 29th St., Bldg. 12
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 790-0787
TTY (855) 475-8194
ALVERNON WAY
1455 S. Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 872-9070

22

RDISTRICT III
ADMINISTRATION
3221 N. 16th St., Ste. 200

Phoenix, AZ 85016

(602) 266-9206

TTY (855) 475-8194

DISTRICT V
ADMINISTRATION
3221 N. 16th St., Ste. 200

Phoenix, AZ 85016

(602) 266-9206

TTY (855) 475-8194

DISTRICT VI
ADMINISTRATION
400 W. Congress, Ste. 420

Tucson, AZ 85701

(520) 628-6810

1-800-835-2100

TTY (855) 475-8194

DISTRICT III OFFICES

DISTRICT V OFFICES

DISTRICT VI OFFICES

FLAGSTAFF

2323 N. Walgreens St., Ste. 104

Flagstaff, AZ 86004

(928) 779-4147

TTY (855) 475-8194

APACHE JUNCTION

11518 E. Apache Trail

Ste. 110

Apache Junction AZ 85220

(480) 983-0427

TTY (855) 475-8194

DOUGLAS

1140 F Ave.

Douglas, AZ 85607

(520) 364-4446

1-855-380-4682

PAGE

1057 Vista Ave.

Page, AZ 86040

(928) 645-8103

SHOWLOW

2500 E. Cooley, Ste. 410

Show Low, AZ 85901

(928) 532-4300

PRESCOTT VALLEY

3262 Bob Drive

Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

(928) 277-2788

COTTONWOOD

1500 E. Cherry St., Ste. H

Cottonwood, AZ 86326

(928) 649-6873

TTY (855) 475-8194

BENSON

595 S. Dragoon St.

Benson, AZ 85602

(520) 586-8331

1-855-630-6874

PAYSON

100 N. Tonto St., Ste. 100

Payson, AZ 85541

(928) 468-9829

TTY (855) 475-8194

SAFFORD

333 N. 8th Ave

Safford, AZ 85546

(928) 428-3005

TTY (855) 475-8194

DISTRICT V

ADMINISTRATION

400 W. Congress, Ste. 420

Tucson, AZ 85701

(520) 628-6810

1-800-835-2100

TTY (855) 475-8194

SIERRA VISTA

1843 Paseo San Luis

Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

(520) 458-9309

DISTRICT V OFFICES

DISTRICT IV

ADMINISTRATION

3221 N. 16th St..., Ste. 200

Phoenix, AZ 85016

(602) 266-9206

TTY (855) 475-8194

YUMA

1185 S. Redondo Ctr. Dr.

Yuma, AZ 85365

(928) 247-8880

TTY (800) 367-8939

DISTRICT IV OFFICES

COOLIDGE

1155 N. Arizona Blvd.

Coolidge, AZ 85228

(520) 723-5351

TTY (855) 475-8194

KINGMAN

519 E. Beale St., Ste. 130

Kingman, AZ 86401

(928) 753-5105

TTY (855) 475-8194

BULLHEAD CITY

2601 Highway 95

Bullhead City, AZ 86442

(928) 704-7776

TTY (855) 475-8194

HAVASU CITY

228 London Bridge Rd.

Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

(928) 854-0377

23

GLOBE

605 S. 7th St.

Globe, AZ 85501

(928) 425-3101

CASA GRANDE

401 N. Marshall St.

Casa Grande, AZ 85122

(520) 426-3529

TTY (855) 475-8194

NOGALES

Santa Cruz One-Stop

610 N. Morley Ave.

Nogales, AZ 85621

(520) 375-7670

TTY (855) 475-8194

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Under Titles VI and

VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI & VII), and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of
1975, and Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination
Act (GINA) of 2008; the Department prohibits discrimination
in admissions, programs, services, activities, or employment
based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability,
genetics and retaliation. The Department must make a
reasonable accommodation to allow a person with a disability to
take part in a program, service or activity. For example, this
means if necessary, the Department must provide sign language
interpreters for people who are deaf, a wheelchair accessible
location, or enlarged print materials. It also means that the
Department will take any other reasonable action that allows
you to take part in and understand a program or activity,
including making reasonable changes to an activity. If you
believe that you will not be able to understand or take part in a
program or activity because of your disability, please let us know
of your disability needs in advance if at all possible. To request
this document in alternative format or for further information
about this policy, call 602-364-1773; TTY/TDD Services: 7-1-1.
Free language assistance with DES services is available upon
request. Ayuda gratuita con traducciones relacionadas con los
servicios del DES est disponible a solicitud del cliente.

24

t'titt1ft._ _
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